Monday, 8 April 2013

The competition proposal for a new cultural center in norway by portuguese design and engineering firmcerejeira fontes architectsinterprets a

lineal series of spaces in an overlapping winding concrete form with a cantilevering tail. the elliptical form forms an outdoor green gathering spaceat its epicenter, viewed at all times by anywhere in the structure. emerging from a rock formation, the roof plane doubles as seating for events.long strip windows follow the curve extending views inwardly as well as to the nearby sea, maintaining a constant connection between site andprogram. a single cube interferes in the fluidity of the volume providing space for an auditorium that can be opened in good weather spilling outinto the central space. the auditorium support functions such as the wardrobe, make-up, prop and costume storage and kitchenette are locatedalong the wall behind the amphitheater box. a cafe and exhibition spaces are situated along the stretch of the arc opposite the theater that wrapsaround to the public amenities and finally an extruded form framing views of the ocean.

head 1815' by SAOTA, cape town, south africaall images courtesy of SAOTA

'head 1815', the elegant residence by south-african firmSAOTAgives a young couple a place to call home, overlooking the atlantic, the nearby town

of fresnaye and the lion's head mountain. the brief called for a home with separate guest accommodations, which were allocated to the ground floorin the form of three suites that share the space with the staff flatlet. due to the steep grade and local building restrictions, the home is raised uponstilts rather than embedded into the hillside. the first floor contains the entry hall, accessible from the street by gentle steps that lead to a glass-roofedlobby. a large living room feeds into the dining area attached to a kitchen completely outfitted with imported german appliances. large sliding glassdoors invite the inhabitants out to the pool area with retractable cover, floating above the stunning scenery. the second level contains the privatemaster bedroom, dressing room and en-suite with the best views over the pool area and the nearby town.

a refined mix of materials define the orthogonal neutral-toned construction; smooth granite floors and wall slabs are seen throughout the project,balanced by its textured counterpart that play off the white plaster partitions. the solid planes that make up the folding exterior envelope and solidconcrete walls are broken up by sections of slender aluminum louvers that also filter direct light into the open interior.

The low-cost housing project is situated in a flood-stricken region that receives extreme temperaturesyear-round. meeting the basic residential needs of a residential dwelling, the building will be assembled using minimal components and bamboomodule units. secured using anchors, ties and solid connections, the structure will be strong enough to float in floods. built with local materialssuch as bamboo, leaves and recycled oil containers, the concept combines traditional architectural characteristics to distinguish the exterior fabric.costing just under 2000USD per unit, the plan allows for mass-production, and the ability for villagers to build themselves.